Digging Deeper – A Question for the Ages

As I read the scripture above, I sit in silence, wrestling with this exchange. The Twelve have been with Jesus for a couple of years. They’ve witnessed more miracles than can be recorded; they’ve had a front-row seat in a Master Class in Ministry 101 from the greatest Instructor ever to walk the earth. A few even saw Jesus in His purest form as He was transfigured before them on the mountain. And yet, it seems true faith eludes them.

So, I ask myself, “If the guys who spent three years with Jesus are imploring Him to increase their faith, what hope is there for me?”

At the same time, another thought occurs to me: if these guys were that close to Jesus and “didn’t get it,” there may be hope for me yet!

All believers struggle with faith. ALL of us. And I truly believe that we all want to increase our faith! We want to believe – just like Abraham did! So, the question is this: How Can I Increase My Faith?

There’s no easy answer, but here is some food for thought:

• It Begins with the Gospel
  “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (ESV)
  We first gain faith through hearing the Good News about Jesus, and that message is most clearly found in the Word of God.

• Faith (Belief) Alone is Incomplete – It Must Involve Action
  “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14-17 (ESV)

• Adversity is a Blessing – Our Faith Must Be Tested
  “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NLT)

• Faith’s Greatest Partner is Prayer
  “Never stop praying.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)
  “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
  First, prayer is critical because Jesus modeled it. He often withdrew to pray and got up very early in the morning to spend time alone with the Father. We can only grow in our relationship with the Lord by spending time with Him.

• Faith Grows in Community with Others
  “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)
  We are not designed to live in isolation. Your faith grows when you dig into God’s word with other believers. Remember, as Rick Warren opens The Purpose-Driven Life: It’s not about you! Your faith can build others up, and vice versa.